This week’s Jennie-Stuart Orthopedic – Michael Venable State Farm Player of the Week is Griffin McCoy.
Griffin is a junior at University Heights Academy and a member of the track and field team.
Just this past weekend at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center in Louisville, McCoy became the first ever KHSAA Indoor State Triple Jump State Champion with a score of 42′ 10.5″.
He also found a spot on the podium for his 6th place performance in the 60 meter dash with a personal best time of 7.29 seconds.
As far as his beginnings on the track, Griffin says he was persuaded by some coaches to join the team.
Since then, Griffin has continued to take track more seriously and credits help from multiple coaches, and nutrition for his improvement.
Before celebrating the state championship win this past weekend, Griffin had another special celebration just a few days before… his birthday.
With knowledge of his strict diet Griffin was asked what his birthday meal was and if there was any cake.
For Griffin, this is not his first state championship as he and three other teammates won the 4×400 meter relay state championship last spring, but he explains how winning an individual title provided a different feeling of achievement.
As he mentioned earlier, before track, soccer was McCoy’s main athletic focus, and despite shifting more focus towards track, he still managed to score the most goals of all soccer players in the city this past season.
Because of his success, Griffin was a Jennie Stuart Orthopedic – Michael Venable State Farm Player of the week in September, meaning he is now the first athlete to win this award twice.
Back in September, Griffin was asked how running track helped him in soccer. Here was his response to the question vice versa.
When asked what his greatest skill was in the triple jump, McCoy credited his pure athleticism and explosiveness.
“I want to jump over 45 feet” – That was the immediate response for Griffin when asked what his goals were for the outdoor season. He also went on explain he’s looking ahead at his senior year as well.
Lastly, McCoy explained what he most enjoys about being on the track and field team.
After interviewing McCoy, WHOP was able to reach out to Carter Hendricks, the head coach of the Blazer track and field team, and get some words on Griffin.
WHOP – What about Griffin made you push for him to join the team?
Hendricks – “I had seen Griffin run when he was younger and knew he had potential. By late middle school, it was obvious he had a “bounce” when he ran and was springy in soccer. Plus, he’s an easy going, very relatable young man. In other words, he has a great attitude, natural explosiveness, long legs, and good agility. He had all the necessary requirements to be good in track and field.”
WHOP – How is Griffin as a teammate/leader?
Hendricks – “Griffin is approachable, likeable, and willing to help others. He leads by example with a great work ethic and positive attitude. His calm under pressure attitude helps others manager their anxiety as well. He’s a great teammate and is quickly emerging as a team leader!”
WHOP – How important is it for players on your team to have goals, and what about Griffin makes you believe he can achieve his goal of jumping between 45-50 feet.
Hendricks – Track and field is driven by the constant pursuit of a personal best. It is critical that athletes establish goals and track their progress over time as they work to pursue goals. This allows the athlete to see their own success/results independent of how they place in a specific meet. It reminds them that the process will deliver the performance. I am confident that Griffin will do all he can to reach his stated goals and has the necessary physical, mental, and emotional attributes to continue managing success in track and field as long as he stays hungry, healthy, and humble in his pursuit. We will be ready to support him with new goals once he does!